2012 IndyCar Series season
| 2012 IndyCar season | |
|---|---|
| IZOD IndyCar Series | |
 |
|
| Season | |
| Races | 15 |
| Start date | March 25 |
| End date | September 15 |
| Awards | |
| Drivers' champion |  Ryan Hunter-Reay |
| Manufacturers' Cup |
Chevrolet
|
| Rookie of the Year |
 Simon Pagenaud
|
| Indianapolis 500 winner |
 Dario Franchitti
|
| Discipline champions | |
| Oval champion | Ryan Hunter-Reay |
| Road course champion |
 Will Power
|
The 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series was the 17th season of the IndyCar Series, and the 101st season of American open wheel racing. Its premier event was the 96th Indianapolis 500, held on Sunday, May 27. The series was sanctioned by IndyCar, and took place in three countries on two continents.
Three-time defending IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti entered the season seeking his fourth consecutive championship and fifth overall. Meanwhile, two-time championship runner up Will Power sought his first title. Heading into the final race of the season, Power led Ryan Hunter-Reay by 17 points in a two driver fight for the championship. After Power wrecked on lap 55, Hunter-Reay was able to finish 4th, and claimed the championship by 3 points.
Among the numerous stories going into the season was the departure of Danica Patrick, who left IndyCar to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Joining the series was former Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello. A highlight of the season was the introduction of a new chassis and engine package.
After losing Las Vegas as a venue in the aftermath of the death of Dan Wheldon, the series welcomed the return of such venues as Detroit and Fontana. In addition, midway through the season, the inaugural Indy Qingdao 600 scheduled to take place in China was cancelled by the promoter.
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